• La Liga

Atletico set for title showdown against Barcelona

ESPN staff
May 11, 2014
Atletico Madrid were denied victory at the death as Malaga held firm © Getty Images
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Real Madrid exited the title race in Spain as draws for Atletico Madrid and Barcelona ensured La Liga would be decided on the final day at the Camp Nou.

Atletico Madrid had to come from behind to claim a 1-1 draw at home to Malaga as a dramatic injury-time save from visiting goalkeeper Willy Caballero denied Diego Simeone's men the chance to settle matters.

The Argentine goalkeeper produced a fingertip save to keep out a curling shot from Adrian in the final minute of stoppage time, ensuring the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

It sets up a mouthwatering showdown next Sunday between Atletico and Barcelona, who could only manage a 0-0 draw against Elche.

Atletico lead Barca by three points following the two draws on Sunday but victory for Barca would give them their 23rd Liga crown on head-to-head record, having drawn with Atleti earlier in the season.

However, Celta Vigo ended any lingering hopes Real Madrid retained of Primera Division glory by claiming a 2-0 victory over Carlo Ancelotti's men at Estadio Balaidos.

The capital club needed a remarkable set of results to go in their favour to take the title, although their rivals' failure to win on Sunday gave them a superb opportunity to catapult themselves back into contention.

Instead, Celta claimed their third win in succession, with Brazilian forward Charles' capitalising on two errors from Real to bag a brace and leave the visitors five points behind leaders Atletico with just one match remaining.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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